A person holding a rifle (mass of person and rifle together is 100 kg) stands on a smooth surface and fires 10 shots horizontally, in 5 s. Each bullet has a mass of 10 g with a muzzle velocity of 800 m s-1. The final velocity acquired by the person and the average force exerted on the person are :
- -0.08 m s-1, 16 N
- -0.8 m s-1, 16 N
- -1.6 m s-1, 16 N
- -1.6 m s-1, 8 N
Answer
(2) -0.8 m s-1, 16 N
Solution
Momentum given to 10 bullets:
p = 10 0.01 800 = 80 kg m s-1
By conservation of linear momentum (surface smooth), the person recoils with equal and opposite momentum:
V = - 80100 = -0.8 m s-1
Average force = rate of change of momentum
F = 805 = 16 N
Answer: (2)